South Africa will face New Zealand in a highly anticipated contest at MCA Stadium, Pune on 1st November 2023. It promises to be an exciting contest as both teams would be looking for a win with a semi-final spot.
South Africa registered 1 wicket win over Pakistan in a thrilling contest and would look to continue their winning run. On the other hand, New Zealand lost the match by 5 runs chasing down mammoth target of 389.
Both teams have quality players who can change the course of the game and help their countries win matches with their abilities.
Here we look at the 5 players to watch out for
- Quinton de Kock
The stylish left-handed batter showed his intent against Pakistan bowlers in the first few overs chasing down 271 runs to win. He hit some lovely shots that kept them under pressure and kept momentum going.
He was caught at the boundary but gave a flying start to the South African team. De Kock has a great record against NZ in the ODI format with 408 runs from 13 matches ( 13 innings) including 4 half-centuries with the best score of 80 not out. De Kock fell cheaply when these two teams met in 2019.
De Kock would be looking to prove his worth with another superb batting performance in the first 10 overs laying a strong foundation to help South Africa register victory and inch closer to the knockout stage.
- Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra had a dream outing in the previous match against Australia. Chasing 389 runs to win, he came to the crease with the scoreboard reading 61 for 1. He looked in sublime touch with some lovely shots against pace bowlers and spinners that put them under pressure.
It was a superb knock by Ravindra keeping the momentum going for New Zealand as they lost wickets. He played with positive intent and did not allow Australian bowlers to settle. His knock made sure that he kept New Zealand on course for a win.
His brilliant knock of 116 came to an end and would be hoping to showcase his talent again in the next match against South Africa. It would be interesting if Rachin Ravindra could continue his batting abilities with top bowlers like Ngidi, Rabada, and others.
- Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram had a brilliant outing in the previous match against Pakistan. They looked in trouble losing their captain Temba Bavuma after quickfire start.
He played with intent putting the bowlers under pressure and kept the strike rotating. During the 2019 World Cup match against New Zealand, Markram made 38 but could not convert it into a big score.
Markram played only 1 ODI match in the 2019 World Cup and scored 38 runs. He would be looking to provide stability if South Africa loses early wickets.
- Trent Boult
Trent Boult will play a key role in picking early wickets in the first 10 overs against New Zealand. He was taken to cleaners by David Warner and Travis Head at Dharmshala. After initial spell, Boult looked impressive not allowing other Australian batters to score runs.
It was a superb bowling effort in his final over dismissing Pat Cummins, Josh Inglis, and Adam Zampa. He ended with figures of 3 for 77 from allocated 10 overs. He picked a total of 13 wickets from 9 matches against SA in the ODI format at an economy of 5.80 runs per over and best figures of 3 for 63.
During the 2019 edition of WC, Boult grabbed 1 wicket for 63 in his 10 overs. He would be looking to pick early wickets and not allow SA to register victory.
- Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada was not included in the previous match against Pakistan due to an injury. He looked sharp when these two teams met each other during the 2019 edition. Rabada grabbed 1 for 42 in his 10 overs.
Rabada grabbed a total of 12 wickets from 7 matches at an economy of 4.24 runs per over with best figures of 3 for 25. It will be interesting to see what impact Rabada can produce in the first 10 overs against Devon Conway and Will Young.
He will be looking to showcase his bowling skills and make sure that South Africa can register victory over New Zealand.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.